3 Ways Our Words Can Make a Difference

Have you ever wondered if our words, written or spoken, can make a difference in the world?

I started writing a blog post earlier this week but I had difficulty finishing it. I tried writing on a different topic and still, it didn’t feel right. This is my third attempt.

The reason I have struggled to complete a blog post, and this definitely isn’t the first time, is because I want my words to mean something, to make a difference. There’s so much I want to say to encourage you. Yet, the process becomes long and challenging as I tend to weigh every word.

Is it too light and fluffy? Or, is it too heavy? Does it come across as judgmental? Does it even make sense?

I know the kind of encouragement I’m fervent to share, but I struggle finding the best way to say it.

Skilled wordsmiths have learned how to cast their specially woven words across a blank white expanse. They have acquired the ability to capture a vibrant resemblance of a heartfelt, face-to-face conversation and then, passionately toss it to hungry readers.

And so, when we read someone else’s excellent words, or we hear an eloquent speaker, we pull up short. Their excellence is not ours, and we are tempted to remain silent.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer/speaker, or not, I believe we all want our words to make a difference in the world.

We want our words to be meaningful to our coworkers, our employers, and in our communities. But, also, we deeply long for our words to make a difference in the lives of our friends and our families.

How can we overcome our fears and use our words to make a difference?

Speak Words of Truth

To make a difference in someone’s life, we need to speak the truth with love and respect. Our gentle message goes a long way when presented with sincere humbleness and with kindness.

Yet, we are to share the truth. Not my “truth” or someone else’s “truth.” There’s enough human opinions in the world to make us dizzyingly sick.

To know real truth, we need to regularly read the fullness of God’s Word. That means not picking and choosing what scriptures suit us and ignoring what doesn’t.

Hence, we read and study the Bible for its full meaning.

And, we pray for understanding and the ability to share the scriptures accurately.

Be Authentic – Do What You Say

None of us are perfect. Not one.

Arrogant people pretend to know all the answers—some actually believe they do. Authentic people are life-long learners of the Master Teacher. Yes, we stumble along the way. Sometimes we take two steps forward and one step back, but we’re still earnestly pursuing the will of God.

If we want our words to mean something, then we confess our shortcomings. And we follow that with authentic faith-living based on our belief of what Christ has done and is currently doing in our lives.

Your Words Can Make a Difference If You Dare to be Different

For our words to be meaningful, we must dare to be different in this world.

People can choose to sway with whatever is popular for the moment. Or, some may believe they can quietly “fly under the radar” so their faith isn’t noticeable. You know the saying, they don’t want to “rock the boat.”

If at all possible, we are to live in peace. However, we also are called to live and speak God’s truth.

Perhaps we need to ask God about the “boat” we’re in.

For me, it’s not about stepping onto a worldly yacht and being intentionally raucous. It means am I willing to stay in Jesus’ boat when the tides of this world beat against it? Do I dare trust Him, in what appears to be a much smaller vessel of fellow travelers, even when a tsunami is on the horizon?

For our words to be meaningful to others, we must first believe the difference Jesus’ words have made.

Without Christ, our words of encouragment are meager, if anything.

But, dear friend, if we sit under the teaching of the Creator of the universe, of people, of language—then the possibilities are enormous.

However, it does require some work on our part. It takes a consistent hammering out of our faith and diligent practice in choosing and sharing our words well.

We have to begin somewhere—one word at a time.

Eloquence is beneficial, but it isn’t vital for our words to make a difference. Truth is.   

A freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

As a writer, blogger, and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things.

Sally and her husband live in the foothills of North Carolina. They are blessed with three children and several armfuls of grandbabies.

Connect with Sally on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.